In a decisive move against industrial pollution, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has ordered the immediate sealing of a tyre pyrolysis plant in Gohana, Sonipat district. The action came after the facility was found to be emitting toxic and foul-smelling gases, causing significant distress to residents in the surrounding areas.
Immediate Action on Public Complaints
The crackdown was initiated following persistent complaints from the local community about noxious fumes emanating from the factory. A team of HSPCB officials, led by Regional Officer (Sonipat) Suresh Kumar, conducted a thorough inspection of the premises. Their findings confirmed the public's fears: the unit was operating without adhering to mandated pollution control norms, releasing hazardous emissions directly into the environment.
The inspection took place on a recent Thursday, and the evidence gathered was damning enough for the board to take swift action. The officials reported that the factory, which processes waste tyres through pyrolysis—a method of thermal decomposition in an inert atmosphere—was failing to manage its gaseous by-products, leading to the release of dangerous pollutants.
Violations and Sealing Order
The primary violations identified by the HSPCB team included the absence of adequate air pollution control devices and the failure to contain harmful emissions within the factory premises. This negligence resulted in toxic gases spreading to nearby residential zones, posing serious health risks and creating an unbearable living environment.
Consequently, the HSPCB exercised its authority under relevant environmental protection laws. The unit was sealed on the spot to prevent any further operation. The sealing order serves as a strict directive, prohibiting the owners from resuming any activity at the site until they install proper pollution mitigation systems and obtain all necessary clearances from the board.
A Message of Environmental Accountability
This enforcement action sends a strong message to industrial units across Haryana about the state's commitment to environmental regulation. The HSPCB has made it clear that operations causing air pollution and public nuisance will face severe consequences. The board has also warned that similar strict measures will be taken against any other factory found violating pollution control standards in the region.
The case of the Gohana pyrolysis plant underscores a growing challenge in industrial areas: balancing economic activity with environmental and public health safety. While industries like tyre pyrolysis play a role in waste management, their operation without proper safeguards can turn them into major sources of pollution.
Local residents have welcomed the board's intervention, hoping it marks the beginning of a more rigorous and consistent monitoring regime. The authorities have encouraged the public to continue reporting such environmental hazards, ensuring a collaborative approach to upholding air quality standards in Sonipat and beyond.
